Piebalgs peddles fuel-efficiency

From European Voice's Entre-Nous column

5/28/08, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/23/14, 8:45 PM CET

Bumpy roads ahead.

Danger ahead. Andris Piebalgs , the European energy commissioner, negotiates tricky road conditions under the watchful eye of rally driver and MEP Ari Vatanen at a demonstration of energy-efficient driving skills on 26 May, organised by Europia, the European Petroleum Industry Association, whose president Panos Cavoulacos looks on approvingly. The commissioner’s score was not the best of the day (European Voice certainly outperformed him, without the benefit of any advice from Vatanen), but this was just a simulator. Piebalgs faces a more exacting test over the coming weeks as the EU tries to find the difficult balance between energy and environment. Industrial lobbies are anxious to emphasise the emissions savings that can be made by more eco-friendly driving. But green lobbies are pushing for stronger action by both carmakers and fuel companies. Driving for fun might yet be restricted to simulators.